Seniors: Driving Smart & Healthy With Driver Calisthenics

Accidents often occur when a driver is tired or stressed and reflexes slow down. These are tips which could keep you from being in an accident by relaxing your body before you begin driving. It is important, especially as you get older, to alleviate stress.

Before You Start Your Car

Chin Extension Exercise

Keep head facing forward. Bend your head forward, touching chin on chest and hold for 5 seconds.
Bring head back to center. Tilt head backwards as far as comfortable and hold for 5 seconds.

Neck Rotation Exercise

Turn neck as far right as comfortable and hold 5 seconds.
Turn neck as far left as comfortable and hold 5 seconds.
Look straight ahead and bend head to left as though trying to touch left shoulder. Hold 5 seconds.
Face center and bend head to right as though trying to touch right shoulder. Hold 5 seconds.

Do not do the exercises if you feel discomfort. Use your judgment. The important thing to recognize your individual needs as muscles, reflexes and attention span gradually slow down with the aging process.

No two persons are exactly the same, and some older folks may experience a dizzy feeling when the head is moved too swiftly to the left or right, or when the head is bent backward. If this happens to you, you may worry that something is seriously wrong. Of course, check with your physician, but usually this is due to changes in the blood vessels of the neck.

You don't have to join a fitness center or aerobics program (although many seniors enjoy such exercise) to be an alert and physically fit driver. Just practice listening to your body. With the help of your doctor or the Visiting Nurse at your Senior Center, you can make your own health and wellness plan. Your body is a wonderful machine, keep it oiled and ready for the road!

Disclaimer: All information is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for advice by your physician. You are advised to consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations appearing here.

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